AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology vs. Curlew Montessori School

one-to-one comparison:

View Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology's full report
VS.
View Curlew Montessori School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    #200 - 1490 W Broadway, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 4E8, Canada

    81 Curlew Drive, North York / Scarborough, Ontario, M3A 2P8, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2022

    2007

    Enrolment

    40

    24

    Grades

    8 to 12

    Nursery/Toddler to SK

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Science and technology

    Developmental Priorities

    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Progressive

    Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    Rigorous
    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    15 to 20

    20 to 24

    Special needs support

    Learning, Developmental

    Gifted learner support

    In-class adaptations

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Montessori
    Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.

    If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $1 to $23,400

    $8,500 to $13,500

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    No

    Students on FA

    70%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    8 to 12

    None

    Median FA package size

    $8,000

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    8

    6

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is a tech-heavy high school where all teachers are PhDs and UBC professors. Learning is project-based and follows the B.C. curriculum at an accelerated rate in which both the sciences and humanities are taught at a challenging pace. Currently, the school is admitting Grade 8 and 9 students, with more grades, and computer science is taught from Grade 8. Fun is deeply woven into the programming, creating an environment where students are excited to learn. and learning new things is not the only metric for success—creating a learning environment where students are excited to learn is key. The school respects students’ capabilities and time, and it clearly communicates goals to each student and for each project. VISST has a flexible tuition model that accounts for each family’s financial situation and resources. 

     

    View full report

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    With an accredited Montessori program, adapted to the developmental needs of each child, Curlew Montessori School fosters curiosity, autonomy, and intrinsic motivation in learning. Parents often describe the school as a second home, emphasizing its nurturing environment and strong community bonds. The low student-to-teacher ratios, and qualified teachers, are combined with the school’s commitment to providing a bright, spacious, and well-equipped learning environment. Key offerings include French as a second language, nutritious lunch and snack programs, and a large outdoor play space. Despite its small size, the school maintains a vibrant educational culture. Parents choose Curlew Montessori for its quality education, individualized and child-paced learning, and its supportive, beautiful facilities. The school aims to develop complete individuals, adapted to their time, place, and culture, in line with Maria Montessori's educational philosophy.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    "Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST) is Vancouver's first & only dedicated STEM high school, offering the full BC curriculum with accelerated/enriched STEM taught via a mix of traditional methods and project based learning. VISST isn't just for the "math whiz" type -- you will find all sorts of students at our school, united by a shared curiosity and passion for learning. We believe science and technology fundamentals are important for any path our students might take after high school."

    • Classes start at 10:00am.
    • A progressive tuition model that accounts for each family’s circumstances.
    • Computer science starting from Grade 8.
    • An integrated curriculum where teachers forge connections between subjects.
    • Transparent and open communication between the school, students, and parents.
    • Students take responsibility for, and take care of, the facilities and each other.
    • Fun as an explicit goal of the school - learning new things is not the only metric for success.
    • Working outside the school bubble: our students will create value for the broader community.
    • A learning environment where all students want to be there and are excited to learn.
    • Transparent communication of goals: students won’t be left wondering, "Why am I learning this?"

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "At Curlew Montessori School, we provide an enhanced Montessori program, tailored to each child's developmental requirements. Our approach fosters inner drive and autonomous learning, enabling children to progress individually. We instill a deep sense of personal and societal responsibility, along with the joy of achieving excellence. Many parents liken our school to a second home. Reach out via phone or email to arrange your tour. We look forward to meeting you!"

    • Accredited and Enriched Montessori Program
    • French offered as a Second Language
    • Low student/teacher ratios
    • Catered and well balanced, nutritious lunch & snack programs
    • Bright and Spacious Classroom
    • Large Outdoor Playspace
    • Qualified and Nurturing Teachers
    • CCMA Accredited
    • Fully Licensed by the Ministry of Education

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    "VISST is a reimagining of high school and differs from other schools in several ways. We ar a STEM school with enriched and accelerated STEM offerings, delivered by experts in our respective fields. VISST deeply values student buy-in and ownership. We include students in important decisions such as which teachers to hire. VISST staff are open and transparent with students, and avoid reinforcing power dynamics. Teachers and students are all just people, on a journey of self-improvement together."

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Regarded by families as a second home, our school plays a pivotal role as a child's initial step into the academic world. This transition from home to school life establishes strong bonds within classrooms and the school community. With its intimate size, Curlew Montessori School excels in providing personalized care and attention to every child and family, setting us apart."

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    "Families are drawn to VISST for different reasons: the STEM curriculum, the way students are treated and respected, the project-based learning, the like-minded peers. One of VISST's key competitive advantages is our teachers. In BC, it is not required that a teacher have a degree in a subject in order to teach it. In contrast, VISST teachers are highly trained experts who buy into VISST's philosophy and values. We give our teachers the time and resources to shine and do their life's best work."

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Quality Education
    Individualized learning
    Child paced learning
    Learning as an aid to life
    Accredited and licensed
    Beautiful, bright and spacious facilities"

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    "VISST's culture is sometimes underrated. In a word, we are a STEM school -- this features in our school's name, even. But in sentence, we are a STEM school with an utterly different school culture. At VISST students are first class citizens. Students call teachers by their first names, share social spaces with teachers, interview teacher candidates during hiring, and participate in school governance. Students truly feel a part of VISST, and in doing so they build justified self-confidence."

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "Creating opportunities for parents to fully engage and understand the Montessori philosophy and opportunities to strengthen their parenting knowledge and skills. This is facilitated by organizing and implementing the events such as parent education nights, ongoing discussions about the progress of their child through p/t conferences, classroom observations."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    "Some families think of VISST as a school for "math genius" types. While we do provide an excellent environment for students who excel in STEM subjects, VISST was created for a broader audience. We measure success by how much a student grows in 5 years, not by where they start or end up. All students at VISST enjoy STEM, are curious about it, and are capable of succeeding, but math doesn't have to be your strongest suit for you to attend and thrive at VISST. We also welcome "artsy" types!"

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    "We may be small, but we are mighty! Though our school may be compact, we uphold an unwavering commitment to top-tier programming, ensuring a vibrant educational culture for both children and their families within this age group."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST)! Before founding VISST, I was a computer science professor at UBC where I taught over 25 courses to thousands of students. At UBC I made two key observations. One, that university students are much more comfortable with well-defined short-term tasks than with ambiguity and long-term planning; this, I concluded, is likely a product of our current high school system. And two, I observed firsthand the insatiable demand for computer science at UBC and all universities around the world, which is well beyond our capacity to provide it. This is unfortunate, I felt, because kids are more than capable of learning computer science. Combining these observations with my teaching experience, I decided to create VISST along with a fantastic team. VISST is a non-profit high school in Vancouver that aims to address the struggles I observed in university students and the lack of computer science in high schools. 

    Our pedagogical approach is to combine project-based learning with rigorous fundamentals. The former builds teamwork skills, long-term planning, and comfort with ambiguity. The latter is an essential component to STEM excellence. An overarching theme of our educational philosophy is to have students interface with the real world as much as possible. Whether it is publishing an article, interpreting data from the news, or partnering with a community organization during a project, real-world experiences are motivating and educational. We would consider it a failure on our part if our students are left wondering, "Why am I learning this?"

    We look forward to having you explore VISST. Welcome to the VISST community.

    Dr. Maria Montessori observed that children below the age of six possess a remarkable capacity to soak up knowledge from their environment, driven by an intrinsic motivation to do so. She termed this phenomenon the "absorbent mind" and acknowledged that these formative years offer a unique window of opportunity for learning certain skills that may not be as readily attainable later in life. At Curlew Montessori, we foster the inherent love for learning and exploration that children possess by providing them with chances to independently select and engage in meaningful activities.

    In our educational setting, we employ Montessori learning materials to offer children tangible reasons to touch, manipulate, and learn, guided by their individual interests and natural curiosity. Our accredited Montessori program places emphasis on acquiring practical self-help abilities, developing the ability to differentiate between sizes, shapes, and colors, familiarizing with phonetic sounds of the alphabet, progressing towards writing and reading, numerical counting, comprehending number symbols, delving into arithmetic, and exploring subjects like botany, zoology, and geography through hands-on experiences.

    All these learning experiences are facilitated by trained Montessori educators, who instill a sense of joy in the process of discovery. Through their own initiatives, children cultivate self-discipline and the capacity to concentrate.

    We warmly invite you and your child to join us. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit and tour our facilities.

  • SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT

    FORMAL SUPPORT FOR DISORDERS, DISABILITIES, AND EXCEPTIONALITIES

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:
    Modification:
    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:
    Resource Assistance:
    Withdrawal Assistance:
    Partial Integration:
    Full-Time Class:
    Forms of Support Environments Forms of Support Environments
    ADHD (moderate to severe)
    This is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention. These behaviors can interfere with school and home life.
    Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Additional support

    Additional support

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    INFORMAL SUPPORT FOR MILD DIFFICULTIES

    Learning Strategy

    Extra Support

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD


    Additional support

    Additional support

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Social skills programs
    Occupational therapy
    Psychotherapy
    Speech-language therapy


    What the school says about their special needs support

    What the school says about their special needs support

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Information not available

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available


    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    What happens if child develops disorder while enrolled/Should families seek enrollment if child has disability

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Information not available

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    • U GOT DANCE
    • Piano Rules Music Program
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    8 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    70%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $8,000

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    0%

    100%

    Day entry years

    Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    Yes: grades 8 - 12

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    We are looking for students who want to be challenged and who demonstrate the potential to meet those challenges. A strong applicant will also demonstrate that they understand what VISST is about and that they would really like to be a part of this unique school and community. As a STEM school, we are looking for students with an interest in STEM, but this does not have to be your only interest! On the contrary, we welcome students with a broad range of interests; a diverse student body will enrich the experience for everyone. You will find that VISST innovates, and employs amazing teachers, in all subject areas.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    VANCOUVER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    See https://www.visst.ca/admissions for admissions information.

    CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL

    ADMISSION POLICY

    The admission policy of Curlew Montessori School is based on the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori.  We strive to serve a broad range of socioeconomic, religious, cultural, racial and ability groups.  Our Program is not designed for children that have specific difficulties

    i. e. learning exceptionalities, medical or emotional needs, psychological issues nor are our teachers trained in these areas. For this reason, we are not always able to meet the needs of every child.

     

     

    1. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY

     

    1. Toddler Program           Ages 18 months – 3 years
      1. Children must be 18 months old on the first day of attendance. 
      2. Children do not have to be toilet trained.
      3. Children should be able to separate from their parents within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the teacher depending on the needs of each individual child.

     

    1. Preschool/Kindergarten Program          Ages 3 - 6
      1. Children must be 2.7-4 years old on the first day of attendance.
      2. Children must be toilet trained and use the bathroom independently.
      3. If a child has had previous school experience, copies of transcripts and/or a complete student recommendation form will be required.
      4. Children who turn 4 by September 1st will be considered for the Kindergarten program.
      5. Children who are not yet 4 and are enrolled in the full day program, may be required to take a rest in the afternoon.

     

     

     

    1. ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (for all levels)

     

    1. All new parents meet with the Director and complete a school tour.
    2. Copies of any educational/psychological testing must be submitted before admission to the school.
    3. Education of all children will be done within the parameters of the Montessori philosophy and its implementation in the classroom. This implementation implies a well-rounded multi-sensory approach to education and values students that display characteristics needed for success and happiness.
    4. In keeping with our philosophy of serving the best interest of children, we evaluate students by observation and interviews and before accepting for admission, reserve the right to evaluate students on academic readiness and aptitude, social maturity and behavior according to age.

     

    1. Admission of children with special needs will be for a specific set trial period (as discussed) from the first day of entry into the classroom.

     

     

     

    1. CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

     

    Children with mild physical, mental or educational exceptionalities are considered for admission when special care or attention is not required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made provided that minor changes to the program are required and that the child does not pose a risk to himself or others.  A recent diagnostic assessment by qualified professionals, which identifies the child’s needs within a “mainstream” environment, is required.  Assessment prior to admission and consequent periodic assessment may also be required during the school year and prior to re-registration. An educational assessment will determine:

    1. The need of a “shadow” at school. Parents agree to assume financial responsibility for the shadow.
    2. Whether continuation through the current academic year is in the best interest of the child and his/her environment.

     

     

    1. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

     

    1. Request information either by phone or via electronic message.
    2. An information packet containing our mission, brochure, program information, tuition schedule and an application form will be forwarded electronically.
    3. A tour by prospective parents is required. Tours are scheduled Monday through Friday mornings.  Every effort is made to schedule tours for the first convenient date.  Prior to the tour, a meeting with the Head of School or Administrator is scheduled to answer any questions and explain the programs.
    4. At the end of the tour, the registration process can begin, and at that time parents or guardians may submit a prospective student’s application form. If the child requires a classroom visit, it may be scheduled at that time.
    5. A non-refundable application fee is due upon submission of the application. Submission of health forms and a birth certificate will be required upon acceptance.

     

     

    1. ENROLLMENT

     

    Enrollment of students is made on a first come, first served basis given the following guidelines:

    1. Returning students are given first priority until February 1st of the preceding school year.
    2. Siblings and former Curlew Montessori School families are given priority.
    3. The number of children who can be accommodated depends on Montessori guidelines and CCEYA regulations.  When space is unavailable at the time of application, children may be placed on the waiting list at the parents’ request and after submission of the application form.  As soon as a space becomes available, the Director will contact the parent with regard to a start date.
    4. The annual registration fee, tuition deposit and any other applicable fees are due along with the appropriate forms at the time of registration.  The registration fee and tuition deposit ensure a child’s enrolment in the appropriate program.
    5.  The registration and deposit fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Upon registration, a commitment for the entire school year is required.
    6. Specific policies contained within the financial agreement are binding.

     

     

    1. CLASS PLACEMENT

     

    1. Generally, children will remain in the same classroom and with their classroom teacher until they are ready for placement in the next level appropriate to their educational, emotional, and social needs, unless Curlew Montessori School feels a change is in the best interest of the child.
    2. Curlew Montessori School reserves the right to place children in order to maintain balanced classes with respect to class size, age, sex and individual needs of students.

     

    We welcome all students regardless of gender, race, religion or national origin

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

CURLEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




x

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.